The Wellington Phoenix are immensely disappointed to have not been selected for participation in the OFC Professional League in 2026.
The Phoenix were informed this afternoon that while their submission met the minimum licensing requirements it received a lower score than Auckland FC and Christchurch United.
Given that the Phoenix is the largest professional football club in Oceania, the club is digesting OFC’s decision and is seeking further information as to how both Auckland and Christchurch received higher scores.
“How the Phoenix, as the only professional club in Oceania for over 15 years, could not be included in the first OFC Pro League is nonsensical,” Phoenix general manager David Dome said.
“The Phoenix have fought for football in Oceania since 2007. We are the only club in the OFC region with a fully staffed, eight team professional academy, the only club in Oceania with a professional pathway for women’s footballers, we have world class training facilities and we have invested more money into football in the region than any other private organisation.
“We are considering a judicial review of the process and how the licensing decision has been made.”
The clubwon’t be making any further comment at this time.
